Synonyms of encourages

encourages

verb

present tense third-person singular of encourage

1

as in inspires

to fill with courage or strength of purpose

a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inspires
• emboldens
• reinforces
• stimulates
• heartens
• cheers (up)
• provokes
• buoys (up)
• bears up
• reassures
• animates
• enforces
• assures
• inspirits
• invigorates
• strengthens
• enlivens
• bucks up
• chirks (up)
• steels
• stirs
• excites
• energizes
• fortifies
• galvanizes
• rallies
• quickens
• boosts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• disheartens
• daunts
• undermines
• depresses
• saddens
• demoralizes
• weakens
• debilitates
• dispirits
• intimidates
• enfeebles
• hamstrings
• psychs (out)

2

as in promotes

to help the growth or development of

asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• promotes
• cultivates
• fosters
• nurtures
• furthers
• advances
• nourishes
• supports
• assists
• forwards
• endorses
• advocates
• incubates
• nurses
• upholds
• aids
• subsidizes
• underwrites
• advertises
• backs
• champions
• endows
• funds
• finances
• stakes
• works (for)
• patronizes
• boosts
• abets
• campaigns (for)
• publicizes
• touts
• plugs
• agitates (for)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• prevents
• inhibits
• hinders
• prohibits
• forbids
• frustrates
• opposes
• enjoins
• proscribes
• counters
• bans
• contends (with)
• outlaws
• bars
• combats
• suppresses
• fights
• stifles
• represses
• subdues
• battles
• retards
• impedes
• arrests
• halts
• checks
• squashes
• interdicts
• obstructs
• interferes (with)
• squelches
• encumbers
• hobbles
• snuffs (out)
• shackles
• fetters
• manacles

3

as in provokes

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provokes
• stimulates
• inspires
• motivates
• stirs
• arouses
• incites
• excites
• induces
• moves
• instigates
• sparks
• motives
• drives
• fires (up)
• triggers
• piques
• impassions
• revs (up)
• ignites
• activates
• bothers
• angers
• galvanizes
• animates
• energizes
• inflames
• fans
• enrages
• quickens
• foments
• vitalizes
• abets
• builds a fire under
• kindles
• keys (up)
• sets off
• gets
• annoys
• irritates
• teases
• ferments
• raises
• upsets
• exasperates
• aggravates
• whips (up)
• taunts
• maddens
• pumps up
• vexes
• jeers
• galls

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calms
• soothes
• subdues
• appeases
• placates
• tranquilizes
• pacifies
• mollifies

4

as in urges

to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action

the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• urges
• nudges
• prompts
• pushes
• exhorts
• spurs
• coaxes
• propels
• goads
• eggs (on)
• provokes
• prods
• stimulates
• drives
• implores
• presses
• beseeches
• hurries
• rushes
• pressures
• cajoles
• incites
• hustles
• importunes
• adjures
• foments
• instigates
• wheedles
• nags
• high-pressures
• stirs (up)
• blandishes
• needles
• soft-soaps

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• deters
• inhibits
• dissuades
• brakes
• restrains
• curbs
• constrains
• checks
• holds back

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encourages

More of them are asking for telehealth visits, an option the clinic offers and encourages to abate patients’ fears that visiting the doctor could lead to a run-in with ICE, according to Motorwala. — Michelle Marchante july 29, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

The company’s campaign directs people experiencing involuntary movements to their dedicated website and encourages them to consult healthcare providers. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Wilde encourages cake decorators to let the design come organically. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

The article argues Canada should learn from them, fostering an environment that encourages talent to stay and build locally, rather than mourning those who leave. — Kumaran Nadesan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Each Full Moon is different, and this one encourages your focus on home and family. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 July 2026

Scratching the bite also mobilizes saliva and encourages more histamine release, which causes the itching in the first place. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

The city encourages organizers to notify neighbors in advance and even provides sample emails and flyers to help gather questions and feedback. — Marina Lopes, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026

The European Union has banned AI that encourages dangerous behavior in vulnerable groups like children, and mandated transparency requirements for other chatbots. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026